En-face oct with parallel detector array

Abstract

In an OCT apparatus, an object light beam is returned from a target and interferes with a reference light beam. Image information is obtained from a depth Z in the target that depends on the optical path difference between the object and reference beams with a resolution that depends on the coherence length of the light. A scanner transversely scans the target with the object beam over a plurality of image points defined by the resolution of the apparatus. Interface optics directs the reference and object beams onto an array of detector elements such that the optical path difference between the reference beam and the object beam varies across the array. The reference beam and the object beam interfere with each other over the array of detector elements for individual image points on the target during each transverse scan. A memory stores a subset of data points corresponding to each individual image point obtained from each detector elements of the array. A processor processes one or more of the subsets of data points to derive image information extending over a range of depths in the target for each individual image point. The obtained image information is displayed on a displace device.